BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 update coming tomorrow?

According to a leaked internal doc the BlackBerry PlayBook may finally be getting the OS 2.1 update tomorrow. We've been holding out for way too long, and now that we're all pumped up from BlackBerry Jam Americas last week, what better time to drop a new OS. The update looks to include:

Allows for WiFi to be used for Bridge between 2 devices if they're on the same WiFi network

BlackBerry Bridge will now support viewing SMS messages on the PlayBook

Print to Go will now work across different networks

Android apps will now be run in separate windows instead of one window for every Android app

Android apps will now have the ability to use the PlayBook camera

A customer will now be able to make in-app payments within Android apps

We'll be sure to let you know when it's available, but in the meantime make sure your PlayBook is charged up and ready to go! While the documentation doesn't say what version it will be, last we checked it was sitting at v2.1.0.1032 internally.

Reader comments

BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 update coming tomorrow?

Just when I was getting used to my cheapie (PC World) PlayBook 64 which I'm using for business - tied to my 9780 Bold - along comes the inevitable upgrade. I was transferring docs between my PC and the PB this morning when the flash appeared through Desktop Manager and pretty much took over upgrading 2.0 to 2.1. I knew nothing about this and it certainly wasn't an option for me to 'upgrade later'.
Result? You'll not be surprised to find out that (for some reason) the upgrade failed and I should 'turn off Desktop Manager and try again'.
But this failure (not on my part) has crashed the PB and all I got then was a black screen with a white BlackBerry Playbook logo. I've checked a few forums etc and come to realise that an interrupted upgrade can be fatal. I've tried re-booting it by holding down both volume buttons and the start button simultaneously, but that only repeats the black screen / white logo.
So - can anyone advise me what to do next (other than throw a rant at the PC World 'help desk'?)
After too many years having my productivity slowed down - rather than speeded up - by the likes of Microsoft, HP in particular and now RIM, I'm in the market for a simple and totally reliable communications device that'll handle calls; emails; documents and the odd photo. Any suggestions from the floor?

Enough already... just post a heads up when it ACTUALLY comes out! There is a permanent index finger print on my PB screen protector from check for updates every time you snapper heads post a story or thread about the illumines and elusive 2.1 update! Now if you'll excuse me while I duck tape my blistered index finger...

Hi timjamesw88 - Just got Bridge 2.1 in Ireland - you may need to tap on the bridge icon within app world to see the update - it didn't show up in the list as 'update available' but was there when I tapped the icon.

5:30am. Got my bridge update... Leaving for the airport in 30min to go to Mexico until the 10th commonnn rim don't let me down!! Release this nowww so I have something to tinker around with while in the air. (don't worry I'll turn my antenna off on my phone:-p)

I am there too and I have had it since 10pm and THAT was an hour late.

You're "doing" it wrong. Go to your phone, go to App World, go to My World press the Blackberry button, hit refresh list or something like that...doing this from memory and it is late (we both should get some sleep) and wait because it will take a few mins...whoah! What's that? Update for Bridge? Fuck ya!

LOL I know what you mean. There's all this enthusiasm over 2.1 tonight. Can you imagine the frenzy in here when BB10 comes out?

With all the BB10 news and people who have signed with RIM, I can guarantee BB10 is gonna put RIM back on the map big time, and give IOS a well deserved slap in their complacency.

Most Android and IOS users dont realize that RIM is creating a whole new BB10 OS from scratch, and that's not easy. BB10 is now where the iPad 1 was back in 2010.
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Tablets are incredible

I love all the enthusiasm over this! I just got told about the update over in the Blackberry Support Forums and came here to share the news but looks like I am way behind. I love reading the comments, they make me laugh. Good stuff!

OHH lol. Well bridge is here tonight for some, depending on our region. 2.1 is supposed to be here tomorrow. But the fun is gonna hit the fan tomorrow when 2.1 arrives.
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Tablets are incredible

Sounds like an update that makes my Playbook a little less outdated and a little more like my Nexus 7. No wonder RIM is getting out of the tablet business soon. Come on RIM. I hope you added something more innovative than that to remember the PB by.

Troll much bro? I'm curious how you THINK RIM is getting out of the tablet business.. since they have said multiple times that they are committed to the tablet space as a critical element to mobile computing. If your Nexus 7 is so great, why are you on a PB OS upgrade article on a pro-BlackBerry site b*tching about your PlayBook?

ps. Innovative? Can your Nexus 7 run PlayBook apps? Will it get the awesome flow and peek of BB10? NOPE!!

How is that stupid? Is it a shot against RIM/BlackBerry? NO... It is just my opinion about Netflix. Their selection is terrible. I have both Netflix and Blockbuster right now and am going to dump the Netflix soon as the only thing that I like about it is that I can stream isht directly to my TV... that is the only thing I like. Their movie selection sucks.. unless you are into movies from 5 years ago...and I haven't seen one item in HD in their library. A partnership with Blockbuster/Dish Network to get new releases and Sling media (stream tv shows, etc) makes more sense to me. Just my 2 cents.

My first blackberry was the nextel 7100. I remember I had a nextel flip phone riding on the bus to work one morning. I saw a girl that I use to go to school wit and she had a nextel 7100 and we were talking and I gave her my email address and she put it in her phone then started to look online. I asked her what was that and she said it was a blackberry. I showed her my phone then she said she had a chirp then chirped me. My eues poped outta my head and three days later I had one and never looked back.

major update, can't wait. I would love better Android app support, I tend to have lots of those downloaded on my PlayBook. They are prone to freezing, probably due to code-level issues since they use different OS kernels. Otherwise, this update is going to rock!

if and when OS 2.1 finally drops, there will be a lot of disappointed Playbook users out there. With all the anticipation and hype surrounding this minor update, once people see what's actually there they'll be upset. I've been running beta 2.1 and the only thing that'll be new is SMS Bridge and the wifi bridge connection.

BTW the OS is taking long to drop b/c with the LTE Playbook now in the mix, the OS needs to get carrier certification before being released. PIA if you ask me.

Since BlackBerry Tablet OS 2.1 might arrive ahead of BlackBerry 10 OS I am downloading the BlackBerry PlayBook Native SDK 2.1 Beta. I have waited long enough for tablet developers to create a few applications I deem essential, therefore, I decided to try porting my favourite nix editor to the BlackBerry PlayBook. I definitely require a faster connection to the Internet; does anyone have a spare flux capacitor?

The internal bug reporter app shows that RIM is running BBM and a app called Navigator internally on PlayBook. Wouldn't it be "The greatest Update of all time." (in my Ali voice) if these two apps were included? PlayBook owners could message dev alpha owners and everyone else on a BlackBerry that uses BBM. Man it just sounds to good to be true so I guess I just have to wait for BB10. :)

How many tomorrow is in a lifetime??
I think the only thing im excited is about Android apps will now have the ability to use the PlayBook camera.
I wanna see how that works out. Hopefully it will be good.

I've been waiting for it for soooooo long, more than anything else. I've been on 2.1.0.840 beta for a while couldn't downgrade and a few weeks ago all android apps stopped working, lost portrait mode and wifi disconnects all the time. So this update is major haul for me :) please make it official this time. Awaiting bridge first than pb update :D

Here's a thought. A bit OT, but...
What I would like to see RIM bring out alongside the BB Ten line is, basically, a Playbook without a screen and touch interface, in a smaller format. After all, the electronic and software design is all done.
Why? Use it with a monitor with the HDMI interface, that's why. Your entire BB infrastructure with only one keyboard.

All it needs for controls is a multicolor LED to say what is going on, and a little button to press to turn on Bluetooth discovery.
Now you can control it via the phone using remote control, and view emails etc. on the big screen.

My guess is it would be less than half the weight and cost of the Playbook, and it would make the N series that much more useful. Most of the places I work I have at least one HDMI monitor available, HDMI projectors are getting common. It would give a new lease of life to OS 7 devices, and be useful for everything from streamed video to sales presentations.

The development would be minimal, basically repackaging half the existing hardware in a simple box and removing some of the software.
I'm guessing it could be done for under $99, the impulse buy level.

Could it be that was what was taking so long? Maybe they just couldn't get it to work all the way around. Sure hope not. It would make the playbook seem half baked. You can alreadY view calls so if it was only just viewing I'd imagine it would have been there along with viewing calls.

Seriously man, then why are you here? My only explanation is that your nickname means that you are 18 or younger because if you're not then being a troll is the less important of your problems... Just saying...

It's a region thing. It will update to the US region which causes problems with some apps. "Cineplex" is a good example. You cannot install on a US region OS. It installs and works fine on the Canadian version.

Agreed, but I want a NATIVE Netflix and Kindle app (well not so much for Kindle, I waited, they didn't release it, and I moved onto other apps that get my money for books and magazines. Still, it would be nice.

Is Christmas coming early for Playbook fans? I am already using the Beta 2.1.840 for few months and it is not that new for me except some changes. However one surprising thing is Android programs can use the Camera now??? that means the Skype .bar files can be downloaded and working on playbook? Can't wait to try tomorrow.

Oh yeah for sure. I want Skype so bad for my Playbook I can taste it. For now I am using Skype on my Playbook on a web based Skype at https://imo.im/ You can use Skype audio/video chat, yahoo chat, Instant messenger and many others. Check it out.
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Oh wow the mythical 2.1 might be here. Cool :-) I was one of the unfortunate ones who had a nightmare with the .668 update with my Playbook overheating and the battery being reduced 50%, so I downgraded to .358.

However if 2.1 shows up tomorrow, I will wait till others have tested it before I download it. Not saying 2.1 is gonna be bogus with bugs like .668 or anything but I wanna be safe.

PS Hey you like free? Go download 2 AWESOME new games in App World called CreaVures and ShodowGun. They are worth $5 each but are FREE till October 31. Thanks RIM I love you guys. They are AWESOME.
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LOL good thing its a virtual button. Just make sure you have your Playbook backed up and all will be ok. I'm really excited about this 2.1 and thought Blackberry abandoned it for BB10. When I do download the new 2.1 after I know all is ok and I dont hear any bad stuff about it like I did with the bogus .668 I am really looking forward to testing it out, specially the seperate android window :-)
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Honestly, I got burned with .668 to.. but I'm excited about some of the stuff in 2.1 so I'll probably download right away. Hell, it has been out in test forever so there shouldn't be any major issues (crosses fingers).

Nice to hear I wasn't alone and dont get me wrong I am gonnna be all over the 2.1 upgrade like white on rice, but just gonna wait about 2 days (with massive self control) to see what everyone is saying. My Paybook got royally burned with .668 and I lost a ton of data downgrading back to .358 as they we're not downward compatable, but I am so excited about 2.1 and know its gonna be awesome!!
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Sad! Very Sad! The nightmare is back after I updated to 2.1. The battery is dying like no tomorrow. I don't know how to downgrade back to .358. I should have known better and backup first... too bad so sad...